Drivers have lots of options when attempting to insure your vehicle. You can either contact a local agent or get quotes online to check prices from a lot of auto insurance companies. Shopping for auto insurance through online companies saves time, is easy to do, plus you might just save a little.

Comparing auto insurance rates direct online can be difficult if you are a beginner to online rate quotes. Don't let that stop you because comparing prices is actually very simple. Getting cheaper insurance rates is not a difficult process. The only requirement is to invest a few minutes to get quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done by completing this short form.

Car insurance rates influenced by the following

Auto insurance rates for your 2000 will vary greatly and are calculated by many factors. Including but not limited to:

  • High performance increases premiums
  • Your accident history
  • Whether you insure your home with the same company
  • Pleasure, commuting or business use can affect rates
  • Your birth date
  • Having a spouse can save money
  • Add-on coverages such as rental reimbursement
  • Claims drive up premiums
  • Maintaining coverage lowers rates
  • Home ownership saves money

A final factor that will help determine is the model year. New vehicles have a higher replacement value in comparison to later models so the costs to repair will push premiums up. But newer vehicles may have a trim level with safety features including pedestrian detection, a collision avoidance system, and adaptive headlights so those may give discounted rates.

Coverage for liability

This can cover damage or injury you incur to other's property or people by causing an accident. Liability insurance covers claims like pain and suffering, repair costs for stationary objects, and legal defense fees. It is cheap coverage so consider buying as much as you can afford.

Auto collision coverage

Collision coverage covers damage to your resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. It's also possible to bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The maximum amount your auto insurance company will pay is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle's value is low it's probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle when the "other guys" either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Due to the fact that many drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family.

Insurance for medical payments

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP kick in for immediate expenses (i.e. EMT expenses, pain medications, and nursing services). They are utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. PIP coverage is not an option in every state but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage.